FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. – Governor Steve Beshear today announced work has started on the $8.6 million project to extend the Flemingsburg Bypass in Fleming County by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Contractors installed work zone signs last week and will begin to move dirt within a few weeks. The project will enhance the two-lane roadway, adding wide shoulders over two miles of open country from the existing bypass intersection at KY 11 north of Flemingsburg across Cherry Grove Road (KY 597) to KY 57 at Sleepy Run Creek.

“The Flemingsburg Bypass extension project is vital to this community and its residents, and will ultimately help reduce traffic congestion, improve highway safety and encourage economic development,” said Gov. Beshear.

The project will improve safety and reduce congestion through downtown Flemingsburg by providing an alternate travel route for commercial and through traffic using KY 11 and KY 57. It also features center turning lanes along much of the new route, as well as intersection upgrades at existing highways.

“This bypass extension will play an important role in Kentucky’s future,” said Rep. Mike Denham, of Maysville. “Good roads are vital for our schools, our businesses and for those who live and work in Flemingsburg and surrounding communities. I’m excited to see this project beginning.”

Sen. Walter Blevins, of West Liberty, agreed. “I look forward to the benefits this project will provide to Kentucky travel and commerce through the improvements it makes to our region’s transportation system.”

Initial work on the project will take place off existing roadways. Traffic impacts are expected by mid- to late-March at the KY 11 and Cherry Grove Road intersections. Motorists are advised, however, to watch for warning signs throughout the construction zone and heed flaggers at all times.

Construction signs for the new section of bypass are sure to be welcome sights for many, said Fleming County Judge-Executive Larry Foxworthy and Flemingsburg Mayor Marty Voiers.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see it getting under way,” Foxworthy said. “Relieving some of the congestion around the courthouse and here in downtown is going to be a big help for the city and county.”

“I expect it will help us expand and grow in the city of Flemingsburg, and I look forward to the opportunity that will come with a new highway,” Voiers said.